by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On the warm and sunny afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 10, Northern Chief notched his 12th consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway, thus extending his track record for most wins in a row at the Sullivan County oval.

Mike Merton was again in the sulky when the veteran pacer rambled to a two length triumph in a time of 1:59.

Geri Schwarz photo

Northern Chief ran his winning streak to 12 on Wednesday at Monticello.

In his three previous victories Northern Chief started from outside positions — one seven and two eights — but this afternoon the pacer left from the pole position and Merton skillfully guided him through fractions of :29.2; 1:00.2 and 1:29.4 before drawing away from Optimist and driver Brad Kramer who shadowed them the entire mile.

“When we passed the half I knew we were a winner,” Merton told Director of Racing Eric Warner who congratulated him in the winner’s circle after the victory.

Asked if he had planned to race on the front-end Merton replied, “We won from the back in his last three starts so I had no worries about putting the old guy on the lead. He certainly knows where the winner’s circle is.”

It was the 13th victory in 20 seasonal starts for the pacer who races without an overcheck. And with four seconds and one third, Northern Chief has missed the board just two times this season.

Owned by Bobby Merton, Jr. and Al Desimone and trained by Gary Messenger, the 7-year-old Apaches Fame gelding paid a paltry $2.30 for win.